by Gregory Hietala

Created on: May 11, 2008   Last Updated: May 15, 2008

Currently there are hundreds of programs that claim to remove spyware, and even more forms of spyware. Many of the symptoms of spyware are not noticed, until its too late. However, there are several key symptoms that can be detected before you have a computer meltdown.

The most noticed symptom that occurs once spyware is present, is the decrease in computer performance. Whether it is your browser that slows down, or a game you like to play, this is a good indicator of infection. Such infections can slow the computer down, this slow down occurs because the spyware is downloading other spyware programs, so that it can infect and destroy your computer. The majority of Anti-Spyware programs can remove these infections.

The most irritating symptom of Spyware is its constant redirecting. Some of the nastier forms of spyware will actually steer an infected computer to a dangerous website. This dangerous website then places viruses and more spyware onto the infected computer. This type of spyware is very dangerous and it must be removed immediately if the infected computer is to survive.

Although these forms of Spyware are dangerous, none of them compare to the danger of the form of Spyware that stops programs. After a computer is infected with a decent amount of spyware, many users try to use anti-spyware programs, or Internet scan engines. However, the stopper program that exists in many forms of Spyware will actually prevent the user from using the Anti-Spyware program and the Internet. Such an attack will render the computer almost useless, and this form of Spyware should be regarded with caution.

Spyware can even make pop-ups occur when you are not browsing through the Internet. Such pop-ups tend to have loud audio and will appear at any moment on the computer. Some pop-ups will actually come up when the computer is turned on, and others will appear after certain programs are activated. This form of pop-up is fairly easy to remove if an Internet scan engine is used.

In addition to the previous forms of Spyware, there are also some forms of Spyware that will directly download viruses to a computer. The "Trojan Horse" is a program that will enter a computer and will immediately create a back door for viruses to enter. The Trojan horse is notorious for slowing down internet connections, and for strange errors on the computer. This is, by far, the hardest form of Spyware to remove because it constantly brings in new viruses that can be used to block all the of the defense programs.

Any user can detect Spyware, if that user is to look for; strange errors, slower connections, poor performance, very random pop-ups, random redirections, and program failures. If such symptoms are currently being exhibited by your computer, try going to the websites listed below or consult with a technician.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

http://ww w.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html

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